The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-11-05
SWEET VIOLETS.
How Mr.. Whiskers was Cured Of
His Silly Infatuation.

''Swe-e-et V-i-o-o-letsI Sweeter than
all the R-o-o-o-ses!"
He did not sing it loud. He was
afraid his wife would hear But all the
time that Mr.. Billydoo Whiskers had
been putting on his snowy shirt, tieinC
his white necktie with the most degage
accuracy, DOMINIC his low vest, assum-
ing his silk-lined swallowtail and cast
ing a languorous suspicion of Lilas de
Perse on his handkerchief which,
sweet thought, her own delicate fingers
had embroidered for hint was n
falsehood in silk, for she had made her
maid do it-all this time Mr.. Whiskers
had been humming, softly and tenderly,
that wonderful song which has caused
the death of more organ grinders, the
decay of more minstrels, the souring
of more milk, and the upsetting of more
weak minds than any other mass meet
ing of Augmented half notes in the
whole literature of song. When he
was finally done and had completely
transformed himself from n broker in
tweed to an Adonis in broadcloth, he
cast at the Adonis in the mirror deep,
languishing, soulful glance, that would
have turned the head of any female
statue on pivot, and, in fact, appraised
the Jealous Parian Diving Girl on the
mantcl. who was watching him mar
rowly, that Mr.. Whiskers was deeply,
very deeply in love-
With smile on his face of self-ad-
miration that he could not entirely re-
press he tripped down stairs to the
sitting room, where sweet, calm-faced
little woman sat somewhat idly reading
the evening paper. She looked up and,
being his wife, took in the whole situa-
ton at glance.
Going out, dcar?' said she pleas
antly.
ayes. Little spread at the club. I'll
be home early. Ta-ta, dear" he said,
airily.
She smiled pleasantly and he went
out and away.
As soon as the hall door closed she
looked straight ahead of her for some
time. Then she leaned her chin on q
plump, pretty little hand, her elbow
resting on the table, and fell into deep
thought Her face was sad. She had
much more strength and much more
common sense than the average woman.
Bat they had been married ten years
and her husband had gotten used to
her. She knew quite we'll that at heart
he loved her. She understood how the
Violet in the case, Mrs. Violet - u
society widow, had aroused in him an
infatuation which had caused him to
make a fool of himself in pronounced
attentions of the silliest character. She
knew perfectly we'll that this Violet
was as cold as she was beautiful, and
that her narrow conception of life made
the handling of men through their
weakness worthy ambition. But
under her calmness the little wife was
both deeply hurt and judiciously angry.
Her husband was being talked about to
his discredit. That wounded her more
than his neglect of herself. She thought
a long time and then rang the bell.
James O'Meara, the butler. had q
quickness of perception that his Irish
eyes made it impossible to conceal. He
was an old and tried servant He
knew the situation perfectly and was
much disturbed at it, for he had q
genuine and warm admiration for his
Ini8tress. She knew that he knew, and
she consequently had determined to
utilize him. She did not discuss the
situation but she gave certain orders.
1t took long time. Despite his dignity
James O'Meara very often smiled. At
one time he burst out laughing, but
Immediately begged her pardon. She
did not smile. Neither did she frown.
She was very quiet and busnes,-like
during the whole talk. Then she went
quietly to bed.
The next day Mr.. O'Meara was very
busy. He was gone from the house for
hours. He could have been seen in
quarters of the city where fashiona-
BILE butler never was seen before, talk
ing to people for whom it would seem
a fashionable butler has no sort of use.
The next day something happened
down town which was little unusual.
Mr.. Whiskers' Office was in New
street, not very far from that yell
foundry where men below at each
other for long time and then quietly
sell TO one another some stock. 1t was
nice Office on the first 1oor the pri-
vate Office having n window opening
about ten feet above the street. Shortly
after the adjournment Of the morning